Celebrating cultures – Christmas in Greece

by Athina Theofanidi

The Christmas season in Greece is not just a holiday – it’s a month-long extravaganza filled with traditions, merrymaking, and, of course, plenty of food.

Christmas Decorations

Greece, being a maritime nation, has a unique tradition of decorating boats instead of Christmas trees. This custom, known as karavaki, involves adorning a small wooden boat with colourful lights and festive decorations. Although the Christmas tree became popular in Greece after the 1830s, the boat remains a beloved and symbolic centrepiece of Greek Christmas celebrations.

The Legend of Kallikantzaroi

Christmas in Greece is also steeped in folklore. A key part of Greek Christmas traditions involves the mischievous kallikantzaroi, malevolent hobgoblins who are said to wreak havoc from 25th December to 6th January. These creatures are believed to climb down chimneys, causing trouble in homes. To keep them away, families traditionally burn a Yule log to confuse them.

Greek Christmas Carols

One of the most heartwarming traditions in Greece during the Christmas season is kalanta. Children armed with a triangle go from door to door, and ask “na ta poume” (shall we sing it?). The songs are followed by a request “kai to taliro diko mou”(and the coin is mine”) for small gifts, often in the form of money or sweet treats like melomakarona and kourabiedes.

The Greek Santa Claus

Unlike Santa Claus, who is known around the world for bringing presents on Christmas Eve, Greeks celebrate Agios Vassilis (Saint Basil) on New Year’s Day, 1st January. The legend of Agios Vassilis centres around the man who secretly delivered gifts to those in need. His feast day coincides with the New Year, making him the Greek counterpart to Santa Claus, bringing gifts and good fortune for the year ahead.

A Symbol of Good Luck

The pomegranate has long been a symbol of good health, prosperity, and fertility in Greek culture, with roots in ancient Greek mythology. During the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it is customary to throw on the ground in front of the house. The more seeds that scatter, the more luck and prosperity the family can expect in the coming year. This is also why you’ll see artistic pomegranates displayed in shops throughout the Christmas season. They’re not just decorative; they’re considered a thoughtful New Year’s gift called “guri” among friends, symbolizing wishes for a fruitful year to come.

The Cake with a Hidden Coin

On New Year’s Day, Greek families gather to enjoy Vasilopita dedicated to Saint Basil. What makes Vasilopita extra special is the hidden coin, said to bring good fortune to the person who finds it. The lucky person who finds the coin is believed to be blessed with good luck for the year ahead. Typically, it’s the host who secretly gives the lucky slice to the young children. While it’s meant to be a surprise, it’s probably the best way to make them feel extra special!

Festive Fare

Greek Christmas food is as delicious as it is diverse, with festive flavours that will have you coming back for more. These days, it’s hard to walk down a street in a small town without spotting a BBQ, with local shop owners inviting everyone to take a bite of their deliciously cooked meat. But it’s not just about savoury dishes. Greece’s sweet treats truly steal the show. Melomakarona, honey-soaked cookies are a must-have during the season. And don’t forget about kourabiedes – buttery, sugar-coated almond cookies that are the perfect pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially when you’re trying to beat the winter chill.

Greek Christmas traditions are a delightful mix of religious rituals, ancient customs, and festive community fun. Whether you’re admiring the boats, munching on melomakarona or hearing the joyful sounds of kalanta, Christmas in Greece is a heartwarming experience that blends the old with the new.